OKLAHOMA CITY — What began as a degree differential watch slowly became a stolen watch. Then he switched again to the differential watch on the last beep. Many video games have been performed inside the recreation itself.
THE Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder gained 133-106 in opposition to the Utah Jazz. The lopsided victory helped OKC clinch West Group B and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 NBA Cup.
The purpose differential finally did not matter because the Phoenix Suns helped OKC earn a victory over the San Antonio Spurs, who sat in first place in West Group B heading into the ultimate slate of group video games . Nonetheless, the Thunder hailed a stress-free victory after a anxious highway journey.
The Thunder held a 32-25 lead after the primary quarter. A 30-point second body pushed OKC’s halftime result in 62-50. The spotlight of the primary two quarters was the protection. The Thunder compelled turnover after turnover and flirted with a franchise file. They completed the primary half with a mind-blowing plus-27 shot try differential.
Regardless of the sea-sized hole between makes an attempt, Utah remained inside hanging distance. That was till a decisive third quarter by OKC. The Thunder put up 40 factors within the third quarter and a 20-2 run blew this recreation away. They lead 102-75 firstly of the fourth quarter.
A dominant sequence from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams was rewarded with relaxation. Neither performed within the fourth quarter, as OKC’s reserves saved a wholesome distance on the scoreboard for NBA Cup tiebreaker functions.
The Thunder shot 52% from the sphere and made 17 of 47 (36.2%) from 3. They made 10 of 11 from the free throw line. They made 32 assists on 53 baskets. 5 Thunder gamers scored double-digit factors.
Gilgeous-Alexander completed with an environment friendly 26 factors. Williams had 28 informal factors. Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins have been OKC’s different double-digit scorers.
In the meantime, the Jazz shot 54% from the sphere and made 13 of 35 (37.1%) from 3. They made 17 of twenty-two from the free throw line. They made 21 assists on 38 baskets. Six Jazz gamers scored double-digit factors.
Lauri Markannen was restricted to 13 factors on 4 of 11 capturing and 6 rebounds. Collin Sexton had 17 factors and 4 assists. Walker Kessler totaled a double-double of 17 factors and 11 rebounds.
The Thunder tied a file 18 steals within the lopsided victory. They compelled Utah into 29 turnovers. This led to a plus-32 shot try benefit over the Jazz. This may win most video games. OKC flirted with a franchise file however was shy.
From what Thunder gamers mentioned afterward, it did not seem to be the NBA Cup was a precedence for them. The advanced final result eventualities and the insane threat of extending gamers’ taking part in time in an already determined competitors put them off.
Nonetheless, it was nonetheless a mandatory win for the Thunder. The title contenders ought to run up the rating in opposition to one of many worst groups within the league. That’s what OKC did in opposition to Utah in a layup victory.
Let us take a look at the Thunder participant scores:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A
Dancing with Kessler, Gilgeous-Alexander stopped the brakes with a pretend pump. This resolution price Markannen and Kessler two souls. The same old customary transfer turned a spotlight for the MVP candidate.
Gilgeous-Alexander solely wanted three quarters to place this one away. He completed with 26 factors on 11-of-19 capturing, seven assists and 6 rebounds. He shot 2 of 6 from 3 and made 2 of two from the free throw line.
A 15-point third quarter from Gilgeous-Alexander was the deciding second. He acquired his spots simply and relied on his silky jumper to generate baskets. The absence of a whistle didn’t forestall him from attacking the Jazz and producing factors successfully.
It was a straightforward day on the workplace for Gilgeous-Alexander. These are the varieties of opponents the place an MVP candidate improves his season stats. The 26-year-old did it throughout his half-hour of motion.
Jalen Williams: One
Receiving a sneaky lob from Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams threw down the dunk in transition. The basket highlighted a enjoyable third quarter dominated by OKC’s two All-Stars.
Williams completed with 28 factors on 12-of-18 capturing, 5 assists and two rebounds. He shot 1 of 4 from 3 and made 3 of 4 from the free throw line. He solely performed 28 minutes earlier than going out within the fourth quarter.
Like Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams additionally exploded for 15 factors within the decisive third quarter. These two mixed for 30 of OKC’s 40 factors within the body. Utah had a solution within the paint in opposition to the 23-year-old.
Williams continues to place up environment friendly outings of 25+ factors for the Thunder. If OKC is near the West’s high seed in February, it ought to obtain its first All-Star nod with these numbers.
Isaiah Joe: A
With the assistance of a Kenrich Williams display screen, Joe took on Markannen. He handed the seven-footer and nailed a one-handed jam. The sniper not often dunks, however when he does, it is in model.
Joe appeared as assured as he has appeared all season. He completed with 19 factors on 7-of-11 capturing, 4 assists and two rebounds. He shot 5 of 9 from 3.
The buckets got here straightforward for the 25-year-old. The sting is rising for him. He felt dangerous sufficient and dropped deep from 3-point land a number of instances. It was one of the best he had on offense in what the Thunder hope will probably be a deep group recreation.
Cason Wallace: B
For a 3rd consecutive recreation, Wallace opened the scoring. Daigneault admitted after the victory that he was not but a everlasting starter, however maybe the string of begins has boosted the 21-year-old’s purpose contribution.
Wallace completed with 12 factors on 5-of-9 capturing, 4 assists and three steals. He shot 1 of two from 3. It is now two straight double-digit scoring video games for the 21-year-old. Earlier than that, he had solely three such outings within the first 19 video games.
It has been a irritating begin to the season for Wallace. Final yr’s 41% 3-point capturing fee is round 20% this season. However these final two video games represented a much-needed constructive regression towards the imply.
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This text was initially printed on OKC Thunder Wire: Participant Rankings: Thunder wins NBA Cup group with 133-106 win over Jazz
